Apple Begins Shipping Fifth-Gen iPod touch Preorders

On the heels of Monday's report about Lightning to 30-pin Adapters beginning to ship to early customers, it now appears that Apple is also starting to ship preorders for the fifth-generation iPod touch as well.

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple has started to ship preorders for the fifth-generation iPod touch on Tuesday, according to shipment notifications emailed to customers who got an early jump on ordering one.

The initial shipments appear to be headed out of China, with estimated deliveries across the United States to arrive before Monday, October 15.

Despite recent rumors claiming the new iPod touch models would land in retail stores this week, it appears that next Tuesday, October 16 is a more likely scenario, with all of the new models simply showing "October" availability on the Apple online store.

Meanwhile, Apple has already posted an official user's guide for the fifth-generation iPod touch, which can be downloaded free from the iBookstore. That ought to tide you over while your new friend is making the trip across the Pacific Ocean, at any rate…